Coiled textile product

ABSTRACT

Yarn is laid continuously in loops progressively as a a path along an annulus to form an annular layer as part of a coiled yarn package. Various means are used to vary the size of the loops, the number of loops laid over one revolution around the annulus, and the radial position of the loops in the annulus. The loops are laid along the annulus by feeding the yarn upwardly through a rotating nozzle in the annulus. A second annular layer of loops is formed beneath, and as a continuation of, the preceding one, and this step is repeated so that a stack of annular layers of looped yarn is formed into a coiled yarn package.

United States Patent Inventors William Kirk Wyatt Lansdale; Edward G.Mueller, l-luntingdon Valley; William H. Hebrank, Wallingford, Pa. Appl.No. 842,053 Filed May 12, 1969 Division of Ser. No. 650,094, June 29,1967, Patent No. 3,478,399. Patented Jan. 19, 1971 l Assignee TurboMachine Company Lansdale, Pa. a corporation of Pennsylvania COlLEDTEXTILE PRODUCT 6 Claims, 26 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 242/159 Int. Cl B65h 55/00 Field of Search 242/159,

Primary ExaminerStanley N. Gilreath Attorney-Paul & Paul ABSTRACT: Yarnis laid continuously in loops progressively as a a path along an annulusto form an annular layer as part of a coiled yarn package. Various meansare used to vary the size of the loops, the number of loops laid overone revolution around the annulus, and the radial position of the loopsin the annulus. The loops are laid along the annulus by feeding the yarnupwardly through a rotating nozzle in the annulus. A second annularlayer of loops is formed beneath, and as a continuation of, thepreceding one, and this step is repeated so that a stack of annularlayers of looped yarn is formed into a coiled yarn package.

SHiU. 1 OF 9 PATENTED Jun ian 35563132 Fig. I

INVEN'IORS. WILLIAM KIRK WYATT EDWARD G. MUELLER BY WILLIAM H. HEBRANKATTORNEYS.

PATENIEI] JAN 1 9 I97l sum 2 or 9 INVENTORS.

WILLIAM KIRK WYATT EDWARD (S. MUELLER WILLIAM H. HEBRANK ATTORNEYS.

PATENTEU Jun sml 48"1 1 i 2 f r 1' '1 & /L a 3 INVEN'I ORS WILLIAM KIRKWYATT EDWARD G MUELLER BY WILLIAM H. HEBRANK fWZ M ATTORNEYS.

PATENTED 4m 9 m1 3.555432" saw u M 9 INVENTORS.

\ WILLIAM K WYATT,

EDWARD UELLER BY WILLIAM H. HEBRANK ATTORNEYS.

PATENTED JANISIHTI L v sum 5 or 9 XIII /-\L@BZ,

\\/ I INVENTORS.

WILLIAM KIRK WYATT EDWARD 5. MUELLER BY WILLIAM H. HEBRANK ..zu/Z M'ATTORNEYS.

PATEN TEB m4 9 ml SHEET 8 OF 9 'IIIIII INVENTORS. WILLIAM KIRK WYATTEDWARD G. MUELLER WILLIAM H. HEBRANK.

XIX BY PATENTED JAN-1 9 1971 5 3 sum 7 0F 9 Q I m VENTORS.

WILLI KIRK WYATT MUE EDWARD 6.

BY WILLIAM H. HEBRANK mfm r ATTORNEYS.

LLER

PATENTEU m1 9 ran SHEEI 8 OF 9 T K R M S L R L 0 EB TKUE MRM W GH MD m mL L Mm WEW ATTORNEYS.

PATENTED JAN 1 9 l9?! SHEET 9 BF 9 INVENIORS.

WILLIAM KIRK WYATT EDWARD G. MUELLER WILLIAM H. HEBRANK Mw fiW/LATTORNEYS.

COILED TEXTILE PRODUCT 29, 1967, now Pat. No. 3,478,399.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the coiling ofyarn, tow, staple.

sliver, rope, or any othersubstantially Continuous length of textilematerial. hereinafter referred to generically as yarn, to form apackage. More particularly, this invention relates to apparatus andmethods for producing acoiled yarn package by feeding loops of yarnthrough'a rotating base in such a manner that the loops progress alongasubstantially annular path while being varied in position both radiallyand circumferentially. The invention also relates to the textile packageas a product.

Prior art devices have formed yarri' packages in coils having loops of auniform diameter'disposed at a uniform distance from the center of theannulus. The product formed by these devices builds up yarn at the innerand outer diameters of the coiled package. This type of package hasproved undesirable, particularly in connection with dyeing the yarnpackage, because the high yarn density at theinner and Outer wallsof theyarn packageannuIus-results in a nonuniform penetration.

of the dye. When the nonuniformly dyed yarn is formed into a fabric, thefabric exhibits localized dye spots or streaks which seriously afi'ectits appearance and quality.

. We have discovered new means and methods for producing yarn packagesand new products of desirable yarn densities. By changing the feeds,speeds, and positions of the parts of the yarn handling apparatus, wehave been able to produce new SUMMARY OF THE NVENTION This inventioncovers a product, aridapparatusand methods for producing said product,said product being a continuously wound package constructed-of'yarndisposed in 'subi stantially annular layers forming a coil, each layerbeing constructed of a series of yarn loops which progress along theirannular Iayersin various radial and circumferential positions, andadditionally, the loops maybe varied in size and configuration, so thata yarn package of substantially uniform density is produced.

Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide new methods forthe production of coiled yarn packages.

Another object of this invention is to provide new apparatus for theproduction of coiled yarn packages.

Another object of this invention is to provide new products dispositionof yarn 20 and 21;

the invention;

FIG. 24.is a schematic, plan-view of an'alternate form of FIG. 8 is apartial plan view showing, in alternate position, a portion of theapparatus shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken as indicated by the lines and arrowsIX-IX which appear in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a motion diagram of a portion of the rotating apparatus shownin F IG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic fragmentary view showing a typical dispositionof the yarn as a result of the motion shown in FIG. 10, and a regulatedyarn feed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. I2 is a partial'vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 5. showingan alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial plan view taken as' indicated by the lines andarrows XIII-XIII which appear'in'FlG. I2; I

FIG. 14 is a partial vertical sectional view similar to the upperportion of FIG. but showing an alternate embodiment of the invention;' IFIG. 15 is-a partial plan view taken as indicated by the lines andarrows XVX\ which appear in FIGJ14; I

' FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic plan view'of a pattern of yarn laid down byan alternate embodiment of our invention;

FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of a modified form of apparatusaccording to the invention similar to a portion of FIG. FIG. '18 is adiagrammatic view indicating motions of the rotating elements and takenas indicated by the lines and arrows XVIII-XYIII which appear inFIG.I.7','

FIG. 19 is apartial view taken along'the line XIX-XIX of FIG. 17; I

FIG. 20 is a vertical sectional view similar to-a portion of FlG..5showing a further alternate embodiment of the invention; Y v I FIG. 21is a partial plan view taken as indicated by the lines and arrowsXXI-XXI which appear, inFlG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic representation of a typical achieved by theapparatus shown in FIGS.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of apparatusfor producing a yarn package. in accordance with doffing apparatus; 1

.FIG. 25 is a full section partially broken away, of an alternateyampackage container and means of driving'same;

and

FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken as indicated by the lines and arrowsXXVI-XXVI which appear in FIG. 25.

for the textile industry, comprising coiled yarn packages wherein thereis a higher density of yarn loops more uniformly distributed throughoutthe packagesfthan has heretofore been known in the industry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA NGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anapparatus for producing a coiled yarn product;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view partially broken away of a portion of theapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of a yarn package produced inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of our invention;

FIG. 4 is a detail sectional elevation of one of the parts of ourinvention shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken as indicated by the lines and arrowsV-V which appear in FIG. I;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic elevation of a central sectional view of atypical annular yarn package for purposes of illustrating various yarndistributions by means of density curves;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken as indicated by the lines and arrowsVII-VII which appear in FIG. 1', showing a portion of the apparatusin'phantom alternate position; v

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MBODIMENTS Although specific forms of theinvention have been selected for illustration in the drawings, and thefollowing description is drawn in specific terms for the purpose ofdescribing these forms of the invention, this description is notintended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined in theappended claims.

In the FIGS similar numbers have been used throughout to package 33 andpasses through a guide means 34, which is attached to the verticalcolumn 32, and after passing through the coil depositing apparatus(generally designated 36) the yarn is deposited on a plate 37 (moreclearly shown in FIG. 2 I. The plate 37 rotates (as will be more fullydiscussed hereinafter), so that as the yarn is deposited inloops on oneportion of the plate 37 it is progressively laid out substantially inthe form of an annulus to form a ringlike mass or substantially annularlayer, a portion of which is shown in FIG. 2. Each successive annularlayer is formed as a continuation of the preceding layer and passes overthe original point of disposition of the yarn (designated as point A onthe plate 37, FIG. 2), so that the layers build up continuously with thenewest layer laid on the plate 37 under the preceding layer. As thelayers continue to build up, they form a coiled yarn package. Such apackage is shown being formed in FIG. I at B.

To retain the package, a cylindrical container 41 is desirably (but notalways necessarily) disposed on the table 42. A plunger 43 is disposedwithin the container 41 and rests initially on the plate 37. Inoperation, the plunger 43 rests on top of the first layer of the newlyformed package. and maintains a suitable pressure so that the frictionprovided by the plunger and the stack of yarn forming in the packageaids in the disposition of the yarn on the plate 37. The automaticoperation of this plunger 43 and the removal or doffing of the yarnpackages will be described more fully hereinafter.

Referring now generally to FIGS. l-9, we will describe the apparatus andmethod for producing one type of product in accordance with ourinvention. These FIGS. represent a preferred embodiment of our inventionwherein the resulting product is a coiled yarn package composed of yarnlaid continuously in annular layers, each layer being composed of loopsof yarn of approximately the same size, which loop size is smaller thanthe width of the annular path, and wherein each successive annular layerin the coil is eccentric to the overall coiled package and out of phasewith the previous layer. In this manner a high density yarn package isproduced. (See FIG. 3).

As shown in the cross section in FIG. 5, the periphery of the plate 37has gear teeth 44 thereon. The plate 37 is mounted for rotation withinthe table 42, about a central axis. The gear teeth 44 engage the teeth45 of the driving gear 46 which is mounted for rotation with the shaft47. The shaft 47 is journaled at its outer end in a bearing plate and issuitably coupled to a drive motor 51 which is mounted on the column 32.

Attached to the underside of the plate 37 is a hollow cylindricalbearing housing 52 at the lower end of which there is affixed a gearhousing 53. The underside of the table housing 50 carries an internalring gear 54. The gear housing 53 has a driven pinion 55 mounted inengagement with the (driving) ring gear 54. In operation, the motor 51rotates the gear 46 which in turn rotates the plate 37. As the plate 37rotates, the cylindrical bearing housing 52 and the gear housing 53likewise rotate. The pinion 55 being in engagement with the ring gear 54on the housing 50 is likewise rotated about its shaft 56. Mounted on theshaft 56 is a gear 57 which is part of a gear train, designatedgenerally 58. The other end of the gear train 58 terminates in a pulley61 of suitable design for use in a belt drive.

Mounted for rotation within and relative to the hollow cylindricalbearing housing 52, is a flyerassembly, designated generally 65. Theflyer assembly 65 passes through the gear housing 53 and has attached tothe end thereof a pulley 66 for driven engagement with the belt 67. Theflyer assembly 65 comprises a hollow cylindrical member 68 which ismounted for rotation in the bearings 69 and 70 at either end thereof;said bearings being suitably mounted in the bearing housing 52. Disposedon the end of the member 68 is a flyer 73 having a concave upper surfacepreferably formed of a smooth and slippery material such as polishedchrome, nylon or polytetratluorethylene, for example. The concavity isabout one-sixteenth of an inch from the upper edge of the flyer 73 whichis on the same level as the surface of the plate 37, for a flyer 73approximately 1% inches in diameter. As shown more clearly in FIG. 4,within the flyer 73 there is a sleeve: 74 forming a passageway disposedat an angle to the axis of the flyer assembly. The sleeve 74 is likewisepreferably made of a slippery bearing material and is rounded to preventburrs at its inlet end 75 and at its outlet end 76. In particular. atthe outlet end 76 it is countersunk in a generally flared manner.Mounted within the flyer assembly 65 and held in place by the flyer 73is a bearing guide 77 for the yarn passing through the flyer assembly tothe inlet end 75 of the sleeve 74.

In operation, as the plate 37 is rotated counterclockwise when viewedfrom the top, the gear train 58 controls the rotation of the flyerassembly 65, so that it is rotated in a clockwise direction when viewedfrom the top.

Before actuating the motor 51, yarn is fed through the flyer assembly 65and across the plate 37 under the plunger 43. As rotation begins, theplunger 43 provides a frictional force on the yarn which tends torestrain the yarn and withdraw it from the yarn package 33 through thetlyer assembly 65. As the flyer 73 rotates and the plate 37 rotates. atrail of loops is left behind the flyer on the plate 37, which trail ofloops is generated substantially along an annulus, as shown in FIG. 2.When one complete rotation of the plate 37 has been made the loopsdeposited are substantially in the form of an annular layer. Theapparatus continues to lay loops on the plate 37, so that a second layerof loops is formed adjacent to the first layer as acontinuation thereof,thereby separating the first layer from the surface of the plate 37. Thefrictional force on the yarn is now between the previously formedannular layer of loops and the yarn being fed across the slipperysurface of the flyer. As successive annular layers of loops are formed,a yarn package begins to form adjacent to the surface of the plate 37.If this process is continued, a yarn package is formed wherein all theloops are of approximately the same size, i.e. each loop hasapproximately the same generating radius; and each annular layer isdisposed essentially concentric with the other layers in the coiledpackage, so that the inner and outer diameter of the annular layers ofloops lie substantially adjacent to one another. in the course ofbuilding up a package approximately 8 to 10 inches long, there is a highdensity of yarn at the inner and outer diameters of the package and asubstantially lower density in the area of the mean diameter. Thisoccurence is shown in FIG. 6, wherein the yarn package is showndiagrammatically in elevation and the density curve C,, is plottedacross one cross sectioned side of the package. The mean diameter is dm,the outer diameter is do, and the inner diameter is di. As previouslystated, it is an object of this invention to provide a high density yarnpackage wherein the yarn is distributed more uniformly from the innerradius to. the outer radius of the annular package.

In dyeing processes wherein the velocity of the fluid is proportional tothe dye rate, the more yarn per height of package the more uniform thedyeing. It is desirable, therefore, in certain dye processes to have adensity curve which is almost flat, as shown by the illustrated curve CIn certain other types of processes it is desirable to control thedensity, so that a higher density exists at either the inner radius orthe outer radius. Various density curves are desirable depending on theparticular use for which the package is intended, and it is an object ofthis invention to provide methods and means for achieving these variousdensity patterns.

One such method is to control the depositing of the individual annularlayers of yarn so that each succeeding annular layer is eccentricallydeposited with respect to the previous annular layer within the package.A typical arrangement is shown in FIG. 3.

The apparatus shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7 may be adapted to produce a yarnpackage of substantially the same configure tion as that shown in FIG. 3by the means as shown by way of example in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Referring to FIG. 7, the table 42 comprises a bed 80 and a pair ofguides 8 1a and 8 1b. T he guides are adjustable transversely of thetable, as by the slots 83 and bolts 84, so that one guide may be movedcloser to the center of the plate 37.than the other. In FIGS. 8 and 9,the member 82 retaining the container 41 laterally on the table isslightly off center from the plate 37, so that the container 41 iseccentric thereto. The container 41 is preferably hollow and cylindricaland made of plastic or other suitable material. It rests on the.table 80 and is free to turn thereon. Supporting rollers 40, 48 .and 49 aredisposed about its sides spaced above the table to maintain thecontainer 41 in its axial position and allow it to rotate.

In the operation of the basic apparatus as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, it ispreferable to have the plate 37 and the flyer 73 driven in oppositedirections, i.e. one clockwise and the other counterclockwise. Where theplunger 43 is also driven, the plunger and the flyer preferably shouldbe driven in the same direction, while the plate is rotating in theopposite direction. In this embodiment of the apparatus it is necessaryto rotate the plunger about its axis. i l Accordingly. drive meansdesignated 85, FIG. 5 is rigidly'attached to frame 38 and is coupled tothe shaft 86 of the plunger 43 to rotate the plunger; said drive meansbeing-connected by conventional electrical means (designed M) to thecontrols of the motor 5l, to be actuated thereby. The plunger 43 isdisposed within the retainer member 82 on the table 42 and is alsoeccentric to the plate 37, (FIG. 8). When the motor 51 is started, theplunger rotates and the frictional force between the plunger and theplate 37 draws yarn through the nozzle 74. As the table rotates the yarnis laid in loops along an annulus, as previously described. However,therotation of the plunger 43, which is disposed eccentrically to the plate37 within the container 41, produces anorbital movement of the layer ofyarn being formed relative to the plate 37.

In the FIG. 3, according to a typical example, the outside diameter ofthe package is approximately 5 inches and the inside diameter isapproximately lk inches. The wall thickness of this package is thereforeI% inches. However, the loops of yarn that comprise a layer are onlyabout We inches in width,

as seen from the top. The loops forming the layer are laid continuouslyand progressively one partially beneath the other along an annulus,which is generated at substantially a fixed radial distance from thecenter of the plate 37. Since the loops are of a smaller diameter thanthe width of an annular portion of the package, and since the layers aredeposited in an eccen tric orbital path with respect to the previouslayer within the package, the resulting coiled yarn package is similarto that shown in FIG. 3. By predetermining the speed of rotation of thevarious rotating members, just described, control is achieved whereinthe loops in succeeding layers will not lay directly upon one another.This results in a softening of the inner and outer peripheries of theyarn package. Thus, a more uniform density is produced in the yarnpackage than would be the case when the loops lie substantially aboveone another in repetitive pattern, as previously described.

A variety of yarn packages can be produced by varying the geometricarrangements of the patterns in which the loops are laid along thesubstantially annular shape. One such pattern is that shown in FIG. 1 1,wherein the center of each loop is substantially equidistant from thecenter of the package. However, some of the loops are smaller thanothers and the loops are varied continuously in size along the path ofthe variable thickness annulus.

This pattern of loops can be produced in an apparatus similar to thatdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 7, wherein a single flyer rotates ina single rotating plate, as shown in the motion diagram FIG. 10. Thereare several methods of producing this type of yarn package, among whichare varying the flyer speed, varying the plate speed, varying thepresure on the plunger. and varying the tension on the yarn passing intothe coiler apparatus by controlling the input feed. One preferred methodis to vary the speed of the feed of the yarn relative to the speed ofrotation of the flyer. Reducing the yarn feed must necessarily reducethe generated radius of the loops in the product. If, however, the feedis increased without changing the speed of the flyer, a maximum feed isapproached beyond which the yarn would merely build up before the flyer.A constant takeup speed is desirable, and an appropriate change in theflyer speed provides this important result.

To control the input speed, feed rollers designated 35 (FIGS. 1 and 5)are mounted on the gear housing 53 which rotates with the plate 37 sothat the rollers 35 remain in the same relative position with respect tothe rotating flyer. Suitable guide means 78 are disposed on the gearhousing 53 ahead of the feed rollers 35 to guide the yarn into the bightof the rollers. The feed rollers 35 take up inequalities of yarn tensionas the yarn comes off the package 33 on the base 31 and take the loadoff the coiler feeding which is due to friction at the interface betweenthe flyer and plate on the one hand and the plunger or yarn package onthe other handThe rollers 35 may be driven by any conventional drivemeans 39. FIG. 5. The drive may be constant or variable as desired.

A fragmentary view of one annular layer showing diagrammatically thedisposition of yarn has been'shown in FIG. I]. By varying the platespeed while maintaining the feed at a constant rate, the phasing of thelarge tosmall loop disposition can be changed, that is, the phasing canbe adjusted so that each succeeding annular layer of loops is out ofphase with the preceding layer. Thus, once again a yarn package of moreuniform cross-sectional density is produced.

The apparatus shown in the FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 can be utilized with certainmodifications in achievingthis result, by having a variable speed driveon the feed rollers 35 and/or on the flyer assembly 65. Likewise, fixeddrives having cams can be used to lay a constant pattern of loops ofvarying size per annular layer, which pattern is out of phase from oneannular layer to the next, thereby producing a similar yarn package.

Another means of producing a similar. yarn loop pattern, i.e. one inwhich the loops vary in size but are all disposed approximately the samedistance fromthe center of the package and wherein similar size loops donot lie'in the'same angular position on successive revolutions, is shownin FIGS. 12 and 13. The modified flyer 173 contains a slot 179 wherein asleeve 174 is mounted for sliding engagement, and is spring biasedoutwardly by the spring 172. A cable I is attached to the sleeve 174 inthe slot 179. The cable 180 passes over a guide roller 181, through thehollow portion of the flyer assembly 65, and around a second guideroller I82, and is fixedly connected to a drive assembly 183. The driveassembly 183 is mounted to the flyer assembly 65, so as to rotatetherewith. The drive assembly may be variable or fixed as desired. Forexample, if the drive assembly is to run in a variable pattern so thatthe position of the sleeve 174 within the flyer 173 may be varied whilethe flyer is rotating, the rod 183a, which is connected to the cable180, is a part'of a spring-biased electromagnetic device, such as asolenoid 183b, which solenoid is responsive to a variable voltageimpressed across the circuit Z. The position of the rod 1830 within thesolenoid 183b is a function of the magnetic flux whichis a function ofthe variable voltage in the circuit Z. Thus by changing the voltage, therod 183a is moved back and forthin the solenoid, so that the sleeve 174is withdrawn and let'out within the slot according to variations in thevoltage in the circuit Z. If the drive assembly is to run in a fixedpattern, a cam means (now shown) is incorporated into the drive assembly183 to contact the rod i83a to retract and let out the cable over afixed time interval. Thus, as the flyer rotates at a constant speed, thesleeve 174 is withdrawn and let out within the slot in the direction ofthe arlows FIG. 13, thereby varying the generating radius of the loops.Note, however, that the center of each loop remains equidistant from thecenter of the package.

An alternate means for oscillating the sleeve 174a within the flyer isshown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Herein a slot 1790 is again provided inafurther modification of the flyer 175. The sleeve 174a is disposed insliding engagement in the slot and is spring-biased outwardly by thespring 172a. A cammed surface 184 is provided on the plate 137. Thesleeve has a rotating cam follower 186 attached thereto, which followsthe cammed surface 184 in the plate 137, thereby adjusting the radialposition of the sleeve 1740 within the flyer over a fixed pattern. 7

Referring now to FIG. 18 of the drawings, a further variation in thepattern of loops can be achieved by having the flyer 173a rotate withina rotating member 10!, which in turn rotates in the plate 137a. Thepattern laid down by this device is that shown in the diagrammatic planview, FIG. 16. The flyer 173a rotating within the intermediate rotatingmember 10], produces a series of loops along a small annulus. Theintermediate rotating member 101 rotating within the plate 137a laysthese loops along the generated annulus. The pattern produced, as shownin FIG. 16, is composed of a series of loops forming a larger loop andsimilar series of larger loops forming the annular layer.

The mechanism for producing the pattern of FIG. 16 is shown in FIGS. 17and 19, wherein drive means 100 drives intermediate rotating member 101through pulleys 161 and 166 and belt 167. The shaft 90 of the drivemeans 100 extends through pulley 161 and has a pulley 91 attachedthereto. The flyer assembly 168 is mounted offcenter in the intermediatemember 101 for rotation in the bearings. The t'lyer assembly 168 isdriven by pulleys 91 and 92 through a belt 98 being driven about aspring loaded idler 103 to make up for the eccentricity caused by theoffcenter disposition of the flyer assembly in the intermediate member.

A still further variation of the type of product which can be producedis shown in FIG. 22, wherein the loops are of sub stantially the samegenerating radius, however, the center of the loops is movedapproximately sinusoidally with respect to a circle extending about thecenter of the package. Disposition of loopsin this fashion may beaccomplished in several ways. For example, in FIGS. 20 and 21, a deviceis shown for rocking theflyer. The flyer assembly 65 is mounted forrotation in a hollow cylindrical member 139, which in turn is mounted inan arcuate bearing 140. The opening in plate 237 for the ilyerisenlarged, as shown at R in FIG. 21, so that the flyer itself may bemoved in a radial direction toward and away from the center of theplate. In order to move the flyer, it

pandable belt 141 is affixed to the flyer assembly in close proximity tothe bearing 140, so that the amount of offset or takeup necessary by thespring on the pulleys 261 and 266 will be as small as possible. Thisalternative drive works well, particularly when the dimension of theeccentricity is small in relation to the plate or package diameter. Thetakeup required in the expandable belt 141 is. therefore, well withinthe limits of known materials.

A cam drive 142 is mounted to the gear housing 53 for rotationtherewith. The cam drive comprises a driving wheel 96 having asubstantially annular cam groove 96a in the upper surface thereof. Thewheel 96 is affixed to the shaft 90a for rotation therewith. Disposedwithin the cam groove 96a is a follower 94a which is attached to a rod94. The rod 94 is disposed within a bearing 930 which is affixed to aflange 93 mounted to the gear housing 53. Rotation of the wheel 96produces a straight line movement of the rod 94 which is in slidingengagement in the bearing 93a. The other end of the rod 94 is mountedabout the hollow cylindrical member 68 which forms a part of the flyerassembly 65. An arcuate bearirig 14 a is mounted on the hollowcylindrical member 68 to engage a mating bearing portion on the rod 94for rotation therein. Thus, while the flyer assembly 65 is rotating, thestraight line movement of the rod 94 is transmitted to the hollowcylindrical member 68 producing a rocking of the flyer assembly 65 aboutthe bearing 140.

An alternate form of apparatus for achieving the same type of yarnpackage is shown in the FIG. 23, wherein the flyer as sembly 65 is movedalong an arcuate path toward and away from the center of the plate 337.In this apparatus the upper surface of the flyer remains in fixed planarrelationship to the upper surface of the plate 337. A suitable type camdrive mechanism designated 300 (shown schematically in fig. 23) isattached to the flyer assembly to move the assembly toward and away fromthe center of the plate. Both types of apparatus provide the same typeof yarn configuration in the finished package, i.e. that shown in FIG.22.

Referring once again to FIG. 1, reference is made to a means for dofiingor removing a finished package and starting another package withoutinterrupting the continuous coiling, whichmeans is particularly suitedfor the coiling apparatus previously described. Plunger 43 has a shaft86 extending vertically upwardly therefrom. As the yarn packageaccumulates (as shown at B in FIG. 1), the plunger 43 rises vertically.Eventually the package fills the container 41 up to a predeterminedlevel.

An automatic doffmg means is shown in. FIGS. 1 and 5. When the plunger43 reaches the top of ,the container 41, a pressure actuated limitswitch (designated S in FIG. 5) is closed, thereby actuating circuit J(FIG- 5).- Circuit J controls electrically actuated pneumaticpositioning means designated (FIG. 1). whereby the frame 38 is shiftedto the left in FIG. 1 to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 7. Asecond container automatically comes into position on the table 42 abovethe plate 37 together with a second'plunger, and a second package beginsto form immediately. The first package can now be removed from the tableand in so doing the yarn may be cut at any convenient place.

As can readily be seen, it is a greater advantage in this invention tofeed the yarn through the plate 37 from the bottom. since this permitseasy and automatic doffing.

An alternate method and means for doffing is shown in the FIG. 24,wherein the containers 41a, 41b, and 41c are disposed onan indexedtable. The same principles of actuation apply except that the table 42ais automatically indexed to rotate the next container into position.This gives the opera tor more time to remove the package. As in thepreviously discussed arrangement, the shifting of the tableautomatically sets the next plunger on the pressure plate.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show an alternate form of yarn package container, whichis particularly suited for use with packages produced in accordance withour invention. The container designated 441 consists of'a number ofvertically extending equally spaced rods 442 affixed in rings 443, 444at either end. A perforated pressure plate 445 disposed in the container441 with ears 446 to interlock the plate with the rods. The cars contactthe upper ring 444 when thecontainer is filled with yarn, so thatdoffing of the package and container is achieved by slipping aperforated cover plate over the lower end of the container; it is thenready for further processing. Because of the open construction at boththe sides and ends, the container can be used immediately in a'dyeprocess. There is no need to transfer the yarn package to anothersuitably configured container, as would be the case if the containerwere a hollow plastic cylinder.

FIG. 25 shows an alternate embodiment of a drive means for the plungerto produce the type of package shown in FIG. 3. This means isparticularly suited for use with the alternate container 441 when it isdesired to rotate the yarn package in order to achieve orbital movementof the yarn package eccentric to the yarn depositing plate (as waspreviously described in connection with FIGS. 3, 8 and FIG. 25 shows anelevation of the alternate drive means and container arrangement inapparatus similar to that shown in FIGS. l7. A fixed bracket 450 retains'a bearing housing 451 wherein sleeve bearings 452 and 453 are fixed tosupport tubular shaft 454 and permit it to rotate therein. Within thetubular shaft 454, bearing members 455 and 456 support shaft 86 forrotation therein. Shaft 86 is similar to that previously described andis connected to plunger 43. A pulley 460 is fixedly connected to thetubular shaft 454 as by means of setscrew 461. A belt 462 connects thepulley 460 with a suitable drive means (not shown) for driving thepulley 460 and rotating the tubular member 454. The lower end of thetubular member 460 is in threaded engagement with a cover plate 470. Thecover plate 470 is disposed on top of the container 441 and is held inengagement therewith by the spring 471 and the pin 472, which passesthrough the hole 473 in the ring 444 and is fixedly connected to thecover plate 470. The configuration of the ring on the cover plate,together with the coaction of the spring and the pin, provide a meanswhereby the container 441 may be rotated upon rotation of the shaft 454.The tabs 446 of the perforated plate 445 engage the rotating rods 442 ofthe container 441 so as to rotate therewith.

in operation. yarn is fed through the plate 480 in a similar fashion aspreviously described in connection with H05. 1- -9. The packagecontainer 441 is disposed offeenter or eccentric to the plate. Theperforated plate 445 coacts with the yarn and the plate 480 in the samemanner as the plunger 43 coacted with the plate 37 and the yarn towithdraw the yarn in loops along an annulus. The plunger 43 and theshaft 86 maintain the perforated plate 445 in engagement with the plate480 or the newly formed yarn package (as appropriate). As the -'yarnpackage is formed. the plate 445 rises vertically in the container 441and the plunger likewise rises vertically; the shaft 86 being in slidingengagement with the bearings 455 and 456. The plunger 43 and the shaft86 may be weighted as at 490. or spring loaded. as desired. to maintaina suitable pressure on the yarn package. As previously mentioned. theyarn package is similar to that described in connection with FIG. 3. sothat it has a desirable density for further processing. as for instance.dyeing. Likewise. the axial load provided by the weighted plunger may beadjusted easily to provide the desirable axial compression in the yarnpackage. thereby eliminating any additional steps necessary to compressthe package further axially. Thus. the finished package of coiled yarnof suitable density and axial compression and disposed in a containerdesigned for maintenance of the package integrity. while permittingrelatively free fluid flow therethrough. presents a very desirableproduct.

It will be understood that various changes in the details. materials andarrangement of parts'which have been herein described and illustrated inorder to explain the nature of this invention. may be made by thoseskilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention. asexpressed in the following claims.

More particularly. it is to be noted that gravity has no effect on theoperation of the apparatus described. Thus while the apparatus has beenshown mounted in an upright position. it could be mounted on an angle oreven inverted. To appreciate the applicability of this statement. noticein connection with HO. 5 that while the feed rollers 35 may be said tobe feeding the yarn upwardly through the flyer assembly 65. the term"upwardly is only a relative tenn designating the relationship of theparts in a particular embodiment shown.

Further. just as the word "yarn has been used broadly to denote manytypes of continuous textile products. many other specific terms used inthis application are capable of having equivalents substituted therefor.It is to be understood then that only the preferred embodiments havebeen described. rather than all possible embodiments of the apparatus.in line with this. the apparatus has been described to function in acertain defined manner with respect to which variation could be madewithin the scope of the invention. For example. in FIG. 18 the rotationof the parts with respect to one another could be changed to produce avariety of yarn patterns. This being the case. it is apparent that whenwe use the term "annulus we are not introducing a limitation to theactual shape of the ring. While some patterns have been shown which areother than an exact ring. still other forms could be shown which wouldbe useful within the scope of our invention.

When we refer to lttycrs" these are formed one adjacent lit the otherand essentially helical; but this also could be otherwise. for example.by adjusting the speed and feeds of the various parts. Likewise. wherethe layers are laid helically. a helical separator could be introducedbetween the layers and it will be understood that in accordance with ourinvention the layers would still be adjacent." as the term is usedherein.

As previously noted. the pattern of the loops may be varied by changingthe speed and feeds of the parts. Likewise. the loops themselves may bevaried. While the word loop" has been used generically throughout theapplication and has been shown as being substantially circular in shape.it could be oval or of another shape. Similarly the loop has beenshownas a closed loop. it being understood that the loop could be eitheropened or closed and. in fact. the yarn could be laid in a sinusoidalpattern or a series of "V-shaped repeating figures.

While many variations of the generic principles upon which our inventionis based have been shown; it is to be understood that these variationscould be further subdivided and the subjcct divisions combined to formstill other variations. all within the scope of the invention asexpressed in the appended claims.

It will further be understood that the "Abstract of the invention" setforth above is intended to provide a nonlcgal technical statement of thecontents of the disclosure in Compliance with the Rules of Practice inthe United States Patent Office. and is not intended to limit the scopeof the invention described and claimed herein.

We claim:

I. A package constructed of a substantially continuous length ofelongated textile material disposed in substantially annular layersforming a coil. each layer being constructed of a series of loops whichprogress along the annular layer of the coil. said loops being varied inposition radially within the annulus.

2. A package as in claim 1 wherein the loops are varied incircumferential position.

3. A package as in claim I wherein the loops are varied in size.

4. A package constructed of continuously wound annular layers of asubstantially continuous length of elongated textile material forming acoil. each layer being constructed of a series of loops laid along theirannular. paths. each loop being at a substantially uniform distance fromthe center of the package. the loops being varied in size.

5. A package as in claim 4 wherein the circumferential position of loopsin one layer of a similar size to loops in an adjacent layer isangularly varied from one layer to the next.

6. A package constructed of continuously wound substantially continuouslength of elongated textile material'disposed in annular layers forminga coil. each layer being constructed of a series of loops which progressalong the annular paths of said layer. each loop itself being composedof a series of loops.

1. A package constructed of a substantially continuous length ofelongated textile material disposed in substantially annular layersforming a coil, each layer being constructed of a series of loops whichprogress along the annular layer of the coil, said loops being varied inposition radially within the annulus.
 2. A package as in claim 1 whereinthe loops are varied in circumferential position.
 3. A package as inclaim 1 wherein the loops are varied in size.
 4. A package constructedof continuously wound annular layers of a substantially continuouslength of elongated textile material forming a coil, each layer beingconstructed of a series of loops laid along their annular paths, eachloop being at a substantially uniform distance from the center of thepackage, the loops being varied in size.
 5. A package as in claim 4wherein the circumferential position of loops in one layer of a similarsize to loops in an adjacent layer is angularly varied from one layer tothe next.
 6. A package constructed of continuously wound substantiallycontinuous length of elongated textile material disposed in annularlayers forming a coil, each layer being constructed of a series of loopswhich progress along the annular paths of said layer, each loop itselfbeing composed of a series of loops.